He will call for the transformation of the city centre, with the prospect of a pedestrianised area stretching right across the heart of the city – from St Giles’s junction with Banbury and Woodstock Roads to the new John Lewis store in Thames Street, in a redeveloped Westgate shopping centre.

Mr Hudspeth – who will unveil it all at the launch of Connecting Oxfordshire to leading local businesses, environmental and civic groups, transport figures and MPs – said: “I would love to see St Giles transformed into a more continental style boulevard. I would like it to be a place that the city could be proud of.”

It would follow the pedestrianisation of Queen Street. County Hall’s £985,000 Transform Oxford project to pedestrianise much of the city centre became a casualty of spending cuts five years ago.

But what is now being proposed could be part of a far bigger and radical transport vision to combat congestion.

The idea of carrying passengers on the existing Cowley branch railway line will also be included. The line to the BMW car works currently only carries freight but the council believes it could be a cost-effective way of linking Cowley and its business parks with the city centre.

Mr Hudspeth said new thinking was needed with the county facing a huge increase in population and up to 100,000 extra homes.

Related links

It is also being driven by the prospect of 80,000 new jobs being created across Oxfordshire.

He will make clear at the launch that the City Deal, bringing investment of £1.2bn to confirm Oxfordshire’s place as a centre of growth, had intensified the need for radical thinking, with the challenge of providing links to where new jobs and homes were being created.

Massive future demands on the transport system greatly strengthened the case for trams or a guided bus system, said Mr Hudspeth.

Support for trams has already been signalled by influential Oxford figures.

Last month city council leader Bob Price said he hoped to look into trams, and was holding talks with other councils.

Oxford Civic Society chairman Peter Thompson has also said a tram or light rail system could be the answer to reducing car use.

Helen Marshall, director of the Oxfordshire branch of the Campaign To Protect Rural England, said: “ The A34 is frequently a nightmare and there are many roads such as the A40, A420 and the A417 that are also suffering. Yet these are just the areas where most of the growth is being planned.”

PEDESTRIANISING GEORGE STREET

George Street

The idea of pedestrianising George Street was included in the county council’s Transform Oxford scheme, which was abandoned because of spending cuts.

It would follow the pedestrianisation of Queen Street. The removal of buses from the street leading from Bonn Square to Carfax is seen as a key element in the redevelopment of Oxford’s Westgate Centre, which got planning permission last month.

Talks are now under way between the developers, the bus companies and Oxfordshire County Council.

A RAIL LINK TO COWLEY

A rail platform for passengers could be created

Using the existing Cowley branch rail line for passengers is being viewed as a new and cost effective way of linking the city centre to Cowley.

The line to the BMW factory, currently only carries freight.

But the county council believes a rail platform, could be created in Cowley for passengers.

The line to the BMW factory currently only carries freight

A passenger rail service would provide a new link to Cowley’s business parks, with more jobs being created in the area.

Mr Hudspeth said a rail passenger service or possibly tram system, from Oxford Station to Cowley, was an attractive proposition.

“Some might have bigger ambitions and want to extend it. But this would mean overcoming difficult land issues.”

Morris Cowley was originally an intermediate station on the Wycombe Railway, which served Cowley from 1908 to 1915 and again from 1928 to 1963. The line remained opened to serve the car factory. The idea of reinstating a passenger service has previously been explored by Chiltern Railways.

PEDESTRIANISING ST GILES

St Giles as a continental boulevard

The pedestrianisation of both St Giles and George Street is emerging as an aspiration of Oxfordshire County Council.

Mr Hudspeth said he envisaged St Giles as a continental boulevard, possibly with trams or guided buses running down the centre of the historic Oxford street.

He said: “I believe it could be a great space for Oxford, that people would expect from a world class city.”

St Giles

St Giles is the widest street in Oxford and is viewed as suitable for a tram or guided bus system. It contains some of Oxford’s most impressive buildings behind two lines of lime trees. It is also the place where the two main northern routes into the city, Banbury and Woodstock Roads, meet.

Pedestrianising St Giles and George Street would mean that Oxford would be car-free from the war memorial at the north end of St Giles all the way to the new John Lewis building in the redeveloped Westgate.

OXFORD AIRPORT

TRAMS TO THE KIDLINGTON AREA

A tram or guided bus link could go to Oxford Airport

THE county council will put forward the idea of a tram or guided bus link running north to the Water Eaton station, the Begbroke science area and possibly Oxford Airport at Kidlington.

Mr Hudspeth said the Connecting Oxfordshire initiative would provide a new transport vision for the future, with the county facing a huge increase in population and up to 100,000 extra homes.

Massive future demands on the transport system greatly strengthened the case for trams or a guided bus system that could extend beyond Oxford, said Mr Hudspeth. As well as being an efficient way of bringing people into the city centre, he believed a tram system could link Oxford with centres of growth such as Begbroke, near Yarnton, set to become a national science and technology hub.

Mr Hudspeth said: “There is so much going on between now and 2020 with schemes like the Northern Gateway, improvements to Frideswide Square, the East-West rail route and a station at Water Eaton. But we need to look beyond that.”

ALREADY ON TRACK

Transport schemes already agreed between 2014 and 2020:

New rail routes connecting Oxford to London Marylebone and later Milton Keynes and Bedford.

Oxford and Didcot station improvements and new Oxford Parkway station at Water Eaton

Comments (64)

About time. Let's see detailed support for these plans in the local election advertising that has started to come through the doors. As well as follow-up national support.

(Even the Oxford Civic Society has an element of support in their quote... Yet the notorious Oxfordshire Wing of the CPRE is only capable of delivering a negative quote.)

About time. Let's see detailed support for these plans in the local election advertising that has started to come through the doors. As well as follow-up national support.
(Even the Oxford Civic Society has an element of support in their quote... Yet the notorious Oxfordshire Wing of the CPRE is only capable of delivering a negative quote.)Andrew:Oxford

just like his predecessor Mr Hudspeth seems to have lost his mind. K Mitchell oversaw the disastrous implementation of St Frideswide's Square. is this what maybe will be his swan song
tramways are a multi-million pound investment.can't see central government giving that, pedestrianised city center, whilst a lovely idea, until you see that the County Council cannot enforce their present ideas through the lack of enforcement officers, George Street, my goodness the local bus companies won't accept that their lobbying group is so powerful.

just like his predecessor Mr Hudspeth seems to have lost his mind. K Mitchell oversaw the disastrous implementation of St Frideswide's Square. is this what maybe will be his swan song
tramways are a multi-million pound investment.can't see central government giving that, pedestrianised city center, whilst a lovely idea, until you see that the County Council cannot enforce their present ideas through the lack of enforcement officers, George Street, my goodness the local bus companies won't accept that their lobbying group is so powerful.norton manor

Andrew:Oxford wrote:
About time. Let's see detailed support for these plans in the local election advertising that has started to come through the doors. As well as follow-up national support.

(Even the Oxford Civic Society has an element of support in their quote... Yet the notorious Oxfordshire Wing of the CPRE is only capable of delivering a negative quote.)

The Civic Society has already been promoting ideas like this, and recognises that Oxford needs to grow sustainably, unlike the CPRE branch.

The current air pollution should be a reminder that something must be done.

[quote][p][bold]Andrew:Oxford[/bold] wrote:
About time. Let's see detailed support for these plans in the local election advertising that has started to come through the doors. As well as follow-up national support.
(Even the Oxford Civic Society has an element of support in their quote... Yet the notorious Oxfordshire Wing of the CPRE is only capable of delivering a negative quote.)[/p][/quote]The Civic Society has already been promoting ideas like this, and recognises that Oxford needs to grow sustainably, unlike the CPRE branch.
The current air pollution should be a reminder that something must be done.Patrick, Devon

Can't see the bus companies objecting too much - Oxford Bus Company started life as the Oxford Tramway Company when Oxford originally had trams.

But PLEASE go and look at what the French have done in Bordeaux with their trams - no ugly overhead wires, and the trams blend in so well with the architecture and other traffic systems.

"We should be trying to put the so called London Oxford airport out of business, given the noise and pollution of the planes using it."

Nope - we should be encouraging smaller airlines, e.g. Flybe, to use LOX to reduce the need to tarmac over half of West London with a new Heathrow runway. Smaller, regional airports are better for the short haul traveller.

Can't see the bus companies objecting too much - Oxford Bus Company started life as the Oxford Tramway Company when Oxford originally had trams.
But PLEASE go and look at what the French have done in Bordeaux with their trams - no ugly overhead wires, and the trams blend in so well with the architecture and other traffic systems.
"We should be trying to put the so called London Oxford airport out of business, given the noise and pollution of the planes using it."
Nope - we should be encouraging smaller airlines, e.g. Flybe, to use LOX to reduce the need to tarmac over half of West London with a new Heathrow runway. Smaller, regional airports are better for the short haul traveller.EMBOX2

The bus companies know better than anyone else how problematic it is to keep to schedule in heavy traffic. The longer a journey takes, the more it costs.

There are several growing transport corridors in the Oxford area which would merit modern light rail. The investment will pay for itself times over in the long term, and then those same companies would be competing to run the services on the network. Stagecoach run trams, trains and buses. They are in the business of providing transport by whatever mode is best.

The bus companies know better than anyone else how problematic it is to keep to schedule in heavy traffic. The longer a journey takes, the more it costs.
There are several growing transport corridors in the Oxford area which would merit modern light rail. The investment will pay for itself times over in the long term, and then those same companies would be competing to run the services on the network. Stagecoach run trams, trains and buses. They are in the business of providing transport by whatever mode is best.Patrick, Devon

livid99 wrote:
Why is it called London Oxford Airport ? Its not in London. Why can't it just be Oxford Airport ?

Or Kidlington Airport? Liverpool used to have Speke Airport, then it became Liverpool Speke, then John Lennon. How about naming it after a famous Oxford character? Lewis Carrol? The Alice in Wonderland connotation seems to fit.

[quote][p][bold]livid99[/bold] wrote:
Why is it called London Oxford Airport ? Its not in London. Why can't it just be Oxford Airport ?[/p][/quote]Or Kidlington Airport? Liverpool used to have Speke Airport, then it became Liverpool Speke, then John Lennon. How about naming it after a famous Oxford character? Lewis Carrol? The Alice in Wonderland connotation seems to fit.Patrick, Devon

The report says "what is now being proposed could be part of a far bigger and radical transport vision to combat congestion."

So the roads are congested. What is the solution? Close some of them to traffic, so that congestion increases on surrounding roads. Brilliant!

The report says "what is now being proposed could be part of a far bigger and radical transport vision to combat congestion."
So the roads are congested. What is the solution? Close some of them to traffic, so that congestion increases on surrounding roads. Brilliant!Oxonian

bart-on simpson wrote:
We should be trying to put the so called London Oxford airport out of business, given the noise and pollution of the planes using it.

or you could do everyone a favour and move elsewhere?

[quote][p][bold]bart-on simpson[/bold] wrote:
We should be trying to put the so called London Oxford airport out of business, given the noise and pollution of the planes using it.[/p][/quote]or you could do everyone a favour and move elsewhere?Doctor69

Trams can only replace some of the bus routes that pass through St Giles. Where are the others going to go?

Also, if the plan is to block cycling through St Giles at all, that's just ridiculous. There can be a dedicated cycle lane around it if it's felt necessary to separate cyclists from pedestrians.

Trams can only replace some of the bus routes that pass through St Giles. Where are the others going to go?
Also, if the plan is to block cycling through St Giles at all, that's just ridiculous. There can be a dedicated cycle lane around it if it's felt necessary to separate cyclists from pedestrians.Danny3

"Improvements at Frideswide Square and surrounding area as western gateway to Oxford"..........
.........this should be "changes" rather than improvements, nobody knows whether what's planned will improve the situation, or worsen it, only time will tell. Personally I think the situation will worsen.

"Improvements at Frideswide Square and surrounding area as western gateway to Oxford"..........
.........this should be "changes" rather than improvements, nobody knows whether what's planned will improve the situation, or worsen it, only time will tell. Personally I think the situation will worsen.Dilligaf2010

"Mr Hudspeth said the Connecting Oxfordshire initiative would provide a new transport vision for the future, with the county facing a huge increase in population and up to 100,000 extra homes."

So Mr Hudspeth, where on your list is the reopening of Grove station or a new station at Milton Park?

"Mr Hudspeth said the Connecting Oxfordshire initiative would provide a new transport vision for the future, with the county facing a huge increase in population and up to 100,000 extra homes."
So Mr Hudspeth, where on your list is the reopening of Grove station or a new station at Milton Park?Richard of Wantage

The Airport carries so few passengers that it can't even support a commercial bus service outside the peaks, and the peak service is driven by the business park rather than the Airport.

In the medium term the only viable tram services are :
Oxford-Witney (because the parallel road route is so congested)
Oxford-Cowley Branch Line-Cowley (because you can)
Oxford-Cowely Rd-Cowley (as this is the busiest bus route so there is a proven market)
And these would cost £100s of millions.

The Airport carries so few passengers that it can't even support a commercial bus service outside the peaks, and the peak service is driven by the business park rather than the Airport.
In the medium term the only viable tram services are :
Oxford-Witney (because the parallel road route is so congested)
Oxford-Cowley Branch Line-Cowley (because you can)
Oxford-Cowely Rd-Cowley (as this is the busiest bus route so there is a proven market)
And these would cost £100s of millions.King Joke

We cannot care for our elderly, but oh yes I would so love Mr Hudspeth to have a continental boulevard he can be proud of. Never mind the rest of Oxford.
He should travel into Oxford west bound by the A40 and see what a welcome there is to Oxford.

We cannot care for our elderly, but oh yes I would so love Mr Hudspeth to have a continental boulevard he can be proud of. Never mind the rest of Oxford.
He should travel into Oxford west bound by the A40 and see what a welcome there is to Oxford.oafie

Still laughing...I suppose all the mere minnions can be pushed out to live near stations and railway lines with the mere elite being able to stroll down the continental boulevard........Onl
y what Oxford University wants will happen. They can build anywhere.

100,000 homes hahahahaha
Still laughing...I suppose all the mere minnions can be pushed out to live near stations and railway lines with the mere elite being able to stroll down the continental boulevard........Onl
y what Oxford University wants will happen. They can build anywhere.oafie

livid99 wrote:
Why is it called London Oxford Airport ? Its not in London. Why can't it just be Oxford Airport ?

Or Kidlington Airport? Liverpool used to have Speke Airport, then it became Liverpool Speke, then John Lennon. How about naming it after a famous Oxford character? Lewis Carrol? The Alice in Wonderland connotation seems to fit.

Charles Dodgson airport sounds good.

[quote][p][bold]Patrick, Devon[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]livid99[/bold] wrote:
Why is it called London Oxford Airport ? Its not in London. Why can't it just be Oxford Airport ?[/p][/quote]Or Kidlington Airport? Liverpool used to have Speke Airport, then it became Liverpool Speke, then John Lennon. How about naming it after a famous Oxford character? Lewis Carrol? The Alice in Wonderland connotation seems to fit.[/p][/quote]Charles Dodgson airport sounds good.Isawyoucoming

People of Oxford, do not let your politicians ruin your historic City, they are only driven by the wheels of big business! Do you really think your Council leaders are clever or, qualified enough with enough foresight to develop a transport plan??? Ask who is behind it all and where will all the money come from, seeing all Councils are making cuts!
How can they come up with cost figures when they have only produced a few pretty drawings or, has a lot of costings already been done behind your backs which could mean it is already a done deal before you have all been asked?
Trams can work well in all sorts of places but they have to be justified fully first and be done for the right provable reasons not just a good idea or, to spend tax payers money before another Council can grab it!
Get your Council to produce all the evidence from Edinburgh and the tram extensions in Nottingham and that will really tell you the truth of what will be in store for you all and it is not that pretty a picture in reality!
Oxford, be aware, politics stink!

S. Williams
Nottingham.

People of Oxford, do not let your politicians ruin your historic City, they are only driven by the wheels of big business! Do you really think your Council leaders are clever or, qualified enough with enough foresight to develop a transport plan??? Ask who is behind it all and where will all the money come from, seeing all Councils are making cuts!
How can they come up with cost figures when they have only produced a few pretty drawings or, has a lot of costings already been done behind your backs which could mean it is already a done deal before you have all been asked?
Trams can work well in all sorts of places but they have to be justified fully first and be done for the right provable reasons not just a good idea or, to spend tax payers money before another Council can grab it!
Get your Council to produce all the evidence from Edinburgh and the tram extensions in Nottingham and that will really tell you the truth of what will be in store for you all and it is not that pretty a picture in reality!
Oxford, be aware, politics stink!
S. Williams
Nottingham.willow59

livid99 wrote:
Why is it called London Oxford Airport ? Its not in London. Why can't it just be Oxford Airport ?

Or Kidlington Airport? Liverpool used to have Speke Airport, then it became Liverpool Speke, then John Lennon. How about naming it after a famous Oxford character? Lewis Carrol? The Alice in Wonderland connotation seems to fit.

Charles Dodgson airport sounds good.

The fictional name would suit it better, as its a fictitious London airport!

[quote][p][bold]Isawyoucoming[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Patrick, Devon[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]livid99[/bold] wrote:
Why is it called London Oxford Airport ? Its not in London. Why can't it just be Oxford Airport ?[/p][/quote]Or Kidlington Airport? Liverpool used to have Speke Airport, then it became Liverpool Speke, then John Lennon. How about naming it after a famous Oxford character? Lewis Carrol? The Alice in Wonderland connotation seems to fit.[/p][/quote]Charles Dodgson airport sounds good.[/p][/quote]The fictional name would suit it better, as its a fictitious London airport!Patrick, Devon

A pedestrian free Oxford? I thought we already had that?
Due to the car victimisation of the "green brigade"everyone who lives outside Oxford already shops in Reading,Swindon,Basi
ngstoke,Newbury,Banb
ury,etc,etc.
So stop people drivng in even more areas of Oxford will result in what the "green brigade"really want,no cars,no customers,no shops,leaving Oxford as the most GREEN city in England.
Why?because their are no shops left,so everybody shops elsewhere.

A pedestrian free Oxford? I thought we already had that?
Due to the car victimisation of the "green brigade"everyone who lives outside Oxford already shops in Reading,Swindon,Basi
ngstoke,Newbury,Banb
ury,etc,etc.
So stop people drivng in even more areas of Oxford will result in what the "green brigade"really want,no cars,no customers,no shops,leaving Oxford as the most GREEN city in England.
Why?because their are no shops left,so everybody shops elsewhere.saddletramp

willow59 wrote:
People of Oxford, do not let your politicians ruin your historic City, they are only driven by the wheels of big business! Do you really think your Council leaders are clever or, qualified enough with enough foresight to develop a transport plan??? Ask who is behind it all and where will all the money come from, seeing all Councils are making cuts!
How can they come up with cost figures when they have only produced a few pretty drawings or, has a lot of costings already been done behind your backs which could mean it is already a done deal before you have all been asked?
Trams can work well in all sorts of places but they have to be justified fully first and be done for the right provable reasons not just a good idea or, to spend tax payers money before another Council can grab it!
Get your Council to produce all the evidence from Edinburgh and the tram extensions in Nottingham and that will really tell you the truth of what will be in store for you all and it is not that pretty a picture in reality!
Oxford, be aware, politics stink!

S. Williams
Nottingham.

Edinburgh isn't a good example.

The best Scottish engineers were all working in London earning good money on world class projects such as T5, CrossRail, Olympic Park, Jubilee Line & T2 whilst Edinburgh City Council kept changing their mind about what they really wanted and made a mess of it.

Things are improving up there now. Can't wait to use the tram between Edinburgh Airport & Edinburgh Park in May/June It'll knock 90 minutes off my journey when I visit Scotland.

Then there is the comparison of the Borders Rail Link - improving the lives of thousands in the often neglected Border community.

[quote][p][bold]willow59[/bold] wrote:
People of Oxford, do not let your politicians ruin your historic City, they are only driven by the wheels of big business! Do you really think your Council leaders are clever or, qualified enough with enough foresight to develop a transport plan??? Ask who is behind it all and where will all the money come from, seeing all Councils are making cuts!
How can they come up with cost figures when they have only produced a few pretty drawings or, has a lot of costings already been done behind your backs which could mean it is already a done deal before you have all been asked?
Trams can work well in all sorts of places but they have to be justified fully first and be done for the right provable reasons not just a good idea or, to spend tax payers money before another Council can grab it!
Get your Council to produce all the evidence from Edinburgh and the tram extensions in Nottingham and that will really tell you the truth of what will be in store for you all and it is not that pretty a picture in reality!
Oxford, be aware, politics stink!
S. Williams
Nottingham.[/p][/quote]Edinburgh isn't a good example.
The best Scottish engineers were all working in London earning good money on world class projects such as T5, CrossRail, Olympic Park, Jubilee Line & T2 whilst Edinburgh City Council kept changing their mind about what they really wanted and made a mess of it.
Things are improving up there now. Can't wait to use the tram between Edinburgh Airport & Edinburgh Park in May/June It'll knock 90 minutes off my journey when I visit Scotland.
Then there is the comparison of the Borders Rail Link - improving the lives of thousands in the often neglected Border community.Andrew:Oxford

Oxonian wrote:
The report says &quot;what is now being proposed could be part of a far bigger and radical transport vision to combat congestion."

So the roads are congested. What is the solution? Close some of them to traffic, so that congestion increases on surrounding roads. Brilliant!

why would it cause congestion? ive said this many times before, people drive in to central oxford because they can. because buses are unreliable, crowded, smelly and cost a lot in oxford. Also the park and rides aren't big enough nor frequent enough and without bus lanes all the way to town why bother. The bus sits in the same traffic the car does.

Stick a tram station near wolvercote roundabout, linked all the way out to kidlington airport and terminate in town why would you want to drive any further in? make adequate parking that far out and it's ideal!

and a boulevard on st giles is perfect. make it a cafe district, support independent shops there and give it a proper european flavour. look at the 'now' pic, it's crumbling tarmac, worn out road markings, knackered cars parked everywhere you look and confused looking tourists trying to squish in to tiny bus stops.

[quote][p][bold]Oxonian[/bold] wrote:
The report says "what is now being proposed could be part of a far bigger and radical transport vision to combat congestion."
So the roads are congested. What is the solution? Close some of them to traffic, so that congestion increases on surrounding roads. Brilliant![/p][/quote]why would it cause congestion? ive said this many times before, people drive in to central oxford because they can. because buses are unreliable, crowded, smelly and cost a lot in oxford. Also the park and rides aren't big enough nor frequent enough and without bus lanes all the way to town why bother. The bus sits in the same traffic the car does.
Stick a tram station near wolvercote roundabout, linked all the way out to kidlington airport and terminate in town why would you want to drive any further in? make adequate parking that far out and it's ideal!
and a boulevard on st giles is perfect. make it a cafe district, support independent shops there and give it a proper european flavour. look at the 'now' pic, it's crumbling tarmac, worn out road markings, knackered cars parked everywhere you look and confused looking tourists trying to squish in to tiny bus stops.robbo81

willow59 wrote:
People of Oxford, do not let your politicians ruin your historic City, they are only driven by the wheels of big business! Do you really think your Council leaders are clever or, qualified enough with enough foresight to develop a transport plan??? Ask who is behind it all and where will all the money come from, seeing all Councils are making cuts!
How can they come up with cost figures when they have only produced a few pretty drawings or, has a lot of costings already been done behind your backs which could mean it is already a done deal before you have all been asked?
Trams can work well in all sorts of places but they have to be justified fully first and be done for the right provable reasons not just a good idea or, to spend tax payers money before another Council can grab it!
Get your Council to produce all the evidence from Edinburgh and the tram extensions in Nottingham and that will really tell you the truth of what will be in store for you all and it is not that pretty a picture in reality!
Oxford, be aware, politics stink!

S. Williams
Nottingham.

why would it ruin the city. do you want it to be medieval forever? basically if they don't do something now so it's complete by 2025 and something major it'll need to be. then there won't really be an oxford outside of uni and hospitals. Because no retailers will renew leases, the airport will cease to trade, businesses won't bother coming here and any well trained grads won't start up in the area all because congestion, investment and infrastructure are so so so poor it's too much faff.

Already we're losing out to places like wycombe, reading, bicester and milton keynes as it's just easier to commit to places like that.

you go near the bmw plant/oxfam/british gas around 5:30pm or 8am and you could sit in traffic for an hour. its crazy, yet there is space there to build so much more.

I'm so behind these ideas that i'd fund it if i could!

[quote][p][bold]willow59[/bold] wrote:
People of Oxford, do not let your politicians ruin your historic City, they are only driven by the wheels of big business! Do you really think your Council leaders are clever or, qualified enough with enough foresight to develop a transport plan??? Ask who is behind it all and where will all the money come from, seeing all Councils are making cuts!
How can they come up with cost figures when they have only produced a few pretty drawings or, has a lot of costings already been done behind your backs which could mean it is already a done deal before you have all been asked?
Trams can work well in all sorts of places but they have to be justified fully first and be done for the right provable reasons not just a good idea or, to spend tax payers money before another Council can grab it!
Get your Council to produce all the evidence from Edinburgh and the tram extensions in Nottingham and that will really tell you the truth of what will be in store for you all and it is not that pretty a picture in reality!
Oxford, be aware, politics stink!
S. Williams
Nottingham.[/p][/quote]why would it ruin the city. do you want it to be medieval forever? basically if they don't do something now so it's complete by 2025 and something major it'll need to be. then there won't really be an oxford outside of uni and hospitals. Because no retailers will renew leases, the airport will cease to trade, businesses won't bother coming here and any well trained grads won't start up in the area all because congestion, investment and infrastructure are so so so poor it's too much faff.
Already we're losing out to places like wycombe, reading, bicester and milton keynes as it's just easier to commit to places like that.
you go near the bmw plant/oxfam/british gas around 5:30pm or 8am and you could sit in traffic for an hour. its crazy, yet there is space there to build so much more.
I'm so behind these ideas that i'd fund it if i could!robbo81

ST GILES - There is nothing on St Giles. St John's college occupies one side, small independent shops, houses, and colleges occupy the other. There is lots of space for car parking and no structures can be put there without ruining the area/the view from and of existing buildings. St Giles really is fine and traffic isn''t a huge issue there. Awful idea.
Beaumont street is an essential street for vehicles too. If you cut traffic from St Giles you also have to pedestrianise beaumont street. What's on beaumont street? Nothing.
All that you do is **** off drivers even more.

OXFORD AIRPORT -
Ok, there is no need to improve transport links. There's already a bus and very few people use it. No traffic issues. Those that fly in in private jets won't want to use the tram...they have already paid thousands to avoid public transport.

GEORGE STREET?
Fair enough. The area around tesco is dangerous for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. It's chaos. Does make it much harder to catch a bus though!!

TRAMS/TRAINS TO THE SATELLITES?
Ok, Lots of traffic on the A34. few ways to solve this.
1) Remove the 50mph speed limit in Botley. It's there because some old woman complained about traffic noise. Put it up to 70 and watch the traffic flow ease.
2) Establish good rail or tram links with abingdon, bicester and witney. There is a woeful lack of rail provision and most commuters would prefer it to buses in traffic.

So, to conclude, leave the centre as it is, bar some tidying up and the westgate changes.
Improve access to the satellites to reduce traffic.!!!

Let's get this sorted shall we?
ST GILES - There is nothing on St Giles. St John's college occupies one side, small independent shops, houses, and colleges occupy the other. There is lots of space for car parking and no structures can be put there without ruining the area/the view from and of existing buildings. St Giles really is fine and traffic isn''t a huge issue there. Awful idea.
Beaumont street is an essential street for vehicles too. If you cut traffic from St Giles you also have to pedestrianise beaumont street. What's on beaumont street? Nothing.
All that you do is **** off drivers even more.
OXFORD AIRPORT -
Ok, there is no need to improve transport links. There's already a bus and very few people use it. No traffic issues. Those that fly in in private jets won't want to use the tram...they have already paid thousands to avoid public transport.
GEORGE STREET?
Fair enough. The area around tesco is dangerous for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. It's chaos. Does make it much harder to catch a bus though!!
TRAMS/TRAINS TO THE SATELLITES?
Ok, Lots of traffic on the A34. few ways to solve this.
1) Remove the 50mph speed limit in Botley. It's there because some old woman complained about traffic noise. Put it up to 70 and watch the traffic flow ease.
2) Establish good rail or tram links with abingdon, bicester and witney. There is a woeful lack of rail provision and most commuters would prefer it to buses in traffic.
So, to conclude, leave the centre as it is, bar some tidying up and the westgate changes.
Improve access to the satellites to reduce traffic.!!!fridgebridge

Oxonian wrote:
The report says &quot;what is now being proposed could be part of a far bigger and radical transport vision to combat congestion."

So the roads are congested. What is the solution? Close some of them to traffic, so that congestion increases on surrounding roads. Brilliant!

why would it cause congestion? ive said this many times before, people drive in to central oxford because they can. because buses are unreliable, crowded, smelly and cost a lot in oxford. Also the park and rides aren't big enough nor frequent enough and without bus lanes all the way to town why bother. The bus sits in the same traffic the car does.

Stick a tram station near wolvercote roundabout, linked all the way out to kidlington airport and terminate in town why would you want to drive any further in? make adequate parking that far out and it's ideal!

and a boulevard on st giles is perfect. make it a cafe district, support independent shops there and give it a proper european flavour. look at the 'now' pic, it's crumbling tarmac, worn out road markings, knackered cars parked everywhere you look and confused looking tourists trying to squish in to tiny bus stops.

It would cause congestion because many people will still need to drive into Oxford and they will be forced into Walton Street (which is already crowded) and other streets in the area. And you should think of the disabled, who will need to drive or be driven into Oxford. As a disabled person, I can't walk to the Wolvercote roundabout to get on a tram.

[quote][p][bold]robbo81[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Oxonian[/bold] wrote:
The report says "what is now being proposed could be part of a far bigger and radical transport vision to combat congestion."
So the roads are congested. What is the solution? Close some of them to traffic, so that congestion increases on surrounding roads. Brilliant![/p][/quote]why would it cause congestion? ive said this many times before, people drive in to central oxford because they can. because buses are unreliable, crowded, smelly and cost a lot in oxford. Also the park and rides aren't big enough nor frequent enough and without bus lanes all the way to town why bother. The bus sits in the same traffic the car does.
Stick a tram station near wolvercote roundabout, linked all the way out to kidlington airport and terminate in town why would you want to drive any further in? make adequate parking that far out and it's ideal!
and a boulevard on st giles is perfect. make it a cafe district, support independent shops there and give it a proper european flavour. look at the 'now' pic, it's crumbling tarmac, worn out road markings, knackered cars parked everywhere you look and confused looking tourists trying to squish in to tiny bus stops.[/p][/quote]It would cause congestion because many people will still need to drive into Oxford and they will be forced into Walton Street (which is already crowded) and other streets in the area. And you should think of the disabled, who will need to drive or be driven into Oxford. As a disabled person, I can't walk to the Wolvercote roundabout to get on a tram.Oxonian

livid99 wrote:
Why is it called London Oxford Airport ? Its not in London. Why can't it just be Oxford Airport ?

Because calling it London Oxford makes it a more attractive prospect for rich foreigners on their private jets. Does the name really affect anyone who doesn't own the airport?

[quote][p][bold]livid99[/bold] wrote:
Why is it called London Oxford Airport ? Its not in London. Why can't it just be Oxford Airport ?[/p][/quote]Because calling it London Oxford makes it a more attractive prospect for rich foreigners on their private jets. Does the name really affect anyone who doesn't own the airport?fridgebridge

EMBOX2 wrote:
Can't see the bus companies objecting too much - Oxford Bus Company started life as the Oxford Tramway Company when Oxford originally had trams.

But PLEASE go and look at what the French have done in Bordeaux with their trams - no ugly overhead wires, and the trams blend in so well with the architecture and other traffic systems.

&quot;We should be trying to put the so called London Oxford airport out of business, given the noise and pollution of the planes using it."

Nope - we should be encouraging smaller airlines, e.g. Flybe, to use LOX to reduce the need to tarmac over half of West London with a new Heathrow runway. Smaller, regional airports are better for the short haul traveller.

They should have put a short haul at Upper Heyford, that would be a way to boost employment, a short link to the M40 would have worked but to much money in the area which was the forced the military base out

[quote][p][bold]EMBOX2[/bold] wrote:
Can't see the bus companies objecting too much - Oxford Bus Company started life as the Oxford Tramway Company when Oxford originally had trams.
But PLEASE go and look at what the French have done in Bordeaux with their trams - no ugly overhead wires, and the trams blend in so well with the architecture and other traffic systems.
"We should be trying to put the so called London Oxford airport out of business, given the noise and pollution of the planes using it."
Nope - we should be encouraging smaller airlines, e.g. Flybe, to use LOX to reduce the need to tarmac over half of West London with a new Heathrow runway. Smaller, regional airports are better for the short haul traveller.[/p][/quote]They should have put a short haul at Upper Heyford, that would be a way to boost employment, a short link to the M40 would have worked but to much money in the area which was the forced the military base outseamusl

Speaking as an exile, Oxford does need to expand so it can become a global centre of excellence in science. We need science more than anything else now - new energy sources and new antibiotics for example.

The transport and traffic problem is paramount. A proper tram will do far more than a guided bus or a conventional train.

Digging up long stretches of already busy roads should not be necessary - most of it could run alongside existing roads (eg the by-passes) alongside railways and across green spaces without causing many problems.

A line from South Parks Rd to Headington across the Cherwell and up Cuckoo Lane would be a superb route, but I am sure the usual preservationists would make more noise and hot air than all of the existing traffic!

Speaking as an exile, Oxford does need to expand so it can become a global centre of excellence in science. We need science more than anything else now - new energy sources and new antibiotics for example.
The transport and traffic problem is paramount. A proper tram will do far more than a guided bus or a conventional train.
Digging up long stretches of already busy roads should not be necessary - most of it could run alongside existing roads (eg the by-passes) alongside railways and across green spaces without causing many problems.
A line from South Parks Rd to Headington across the Cherwell and up Cuckoo Lane would be a superb route, but I am sure the usual preservationists would make more noise and hot air than all of the existing traffic!Patrick, Devon

George Street and St Giles to be pedestrianised, great. How will deliveries get to certain places like St Johns?. Where will the end of St Giles pedestrian area be? Beaumont Street will be come a dead end. What has the Randolph said about the plans? How about the many doctors and dentists on Beaumont Street? How will the traffic be relocated? Walton Street, Little Clarendon Street and Jericho will become rat runs with business people, delivery drivers and taxis. Where will busses stop? Gloucester Green is far too small for all city and local busses. Will these bus routes be cut? I would like to see a proposed map of Oxford on how traffic will be pushed into side roads.
Or is this an over spill from April 1st jokes?

George Street and St Giles to be pedestrianised, great. How will deliveries get to certain places like St Johns?. Where will the end of St Giles pedestrian area be? Beaumont Street will be come a dead end. What has the Randolph said about the plans? How about the many doctors and dentists on Beaumont Street? How will the traffic be relocated? Walton Street, Little Clarendon Street and Jericho will become rat runs with business people, delivery drivers and taxis. Where will busses stop? Gloucester Green is far too small for all city and local busses. Will these bus routes be cut? I would like to see a proposed map of Oxford on how traffic will be pushed into side roads.
Or is this an over spill from April 1st jokes?RedDragon9621

This is an excellent plan. The cities that people really want to visit are designed for primarily for people, and not for people in cars.

And as for Oxford being 'anti car' - by what measure? Every year more and more people drive into Oxford. The most positive thing Oxford can do for drivers is to give people more, and better alternatives rather than leaving no option but to drive.

This is an excellent plan. The cities that people really want to visit are designed for primarily for people, and not for people in cars.
And as for Oxford being 'anti car' - by what measure? Every year more and more people drive into Oxford. The most positive thing Oxford can do for drivers is to give people more, and better alternatives rather than leaving no option but to drive.Floflo

Andrew:Oxford wrote:
About time. Let's see detailed support for these plans in the local election advertising that has started to come through the doors. As well as follow-up national support.

(Even the Oxford Civic Society has an element of support in their quote... Yet the notorious Oxfordshire Wing of the CPRE is only capable of delivering a negative quote.)

The Civic Society has already been promoting ideas like this, and recognises that Oxford needs to grow sustainably, unlike the CPRE branch.

The current air pollution should be a reminder that something must be done.

Yeah remove the vehicles that pollute the most.. THE DIESEL POWERED TAXIS, BUSES AND TRUCKS.

[quote][p][bold]Patrick, Devon[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Andrew:Oxford[/bold] wrote:
About time. Let's see detailed support for these plans in the local election advertising that has started to come through the doors. As well as follow-up national support.
(Even the Oxford Civic Society has an element of support in their quote... Yet the notorious Oxfordshire Wing of the CPRE is only capable of delivering a negative quote.)[/p][/quote]The Civic Society has already been promoting ideas like this, and recognises that Oxford needs to grow sustainably, unlike the CPRE branch.
The current air pollution should be a reminder that something must be done.[/p][/quote]Yeah remove the vehicles that pollute the most.. THE DIESEL POWERED TAXIS, BUSES AND TRUCKS.yabbadabbadoo256

Lets face it this aint going to happen its a "Vision" unless its got a couple of million pounds allocated to it, something resembling s*d all is going to be done in the next 10 years.

Lets pay some architects and consultants a lot of money to make it look like we are doing something to sort out the problems and then rest on our laurels while we do nothing about it?

Ive seen it happen loads of times with large projects with "visions" the artists mockups are the only things you actually see of the project apart from an expanding hole in the budget from consultants and architects fees

Lets face it this aint going to happen its a "Vision" unless its got a couple of million pounds allocated to it, something resembling s*d all is going to be done in the next 10 years.
Lets pay some architects and consultants a lot of money to make it look like we are doing something to sort out the problems and then rest on our laurels while we do nothing about it?
Ive seen it happen loads of times with large projects with "visions" the artists mockups are the only things you actually see of the project apart from an expanding hole in the budget from consultants and architects feesyabbadabbadoo256

yabbadabbadoo256 wrote:
Lets face it this aint going to happen its a &quot;Vision" unless its got a couple of million pounds allocated to it, something resembling s*d all is going to be done in the next 10 years.

Lets pay some architects and consultants a lot of money to make it look like we are doing something to sort out the problems and then rest on our laurels while we do nothing about it?

Ive seen it happen loads of times with large projects with "visions" the artists mockups are the only things you actually see of the project apart from an expanding hole in the budget from consultants and architects fees

This is why we need absolute commitment from our (potential) councillors in their personal manifestos when it comes to the local election.

Put it in print. A clear for or against. Let the electorate decide.

Would be great if "The Oxford Mail" would also publish a list of candidates with a clear "For" or "Against".

No qualifiers just a straight "For/Against".

[quote][p][bold]yabbadabbadoo256[/bold] wrote:
Lets face it this aint going to happen its a "Vision" unless its got a couple of million pounds allocated to it, something resembling s*d all is going to be done in the next 10 years.
Lets pay some architects and consultants a lot of money to make it look like we are doing something to sort out the problems and then rest on our laurels while we do nothing about it?
Ive seen it happen loads of times with large projects with "visions" the artists mockups are the only things you actually see of the project apart from an expanding hole in the budget from consultants and architects fees[/p][/quote]This is why we need absolute commitment from our (potential) councillors in their personal manifestos when it comes to the local election.
Put it in print. A clear for or against. Let the electorate decide.
Would be great if "The Oxford Mail" would also publish a list of candidates with a clear "For" or "Against".
No qualifiers just a straight "For/Against".Andrew:Oxford

Slightly concerned they can't even get the vision correct on the artist impression...... is that a small blue car I see in the middle of this so called 'pedestrian' area? In such financially challenging times, if such vast amounts of cash are indeed available to be spent so easily shouldn't we be investing into schemes caring for those most vulnerable in our community, or is this just another fabulous project for the North Oxford Champagne Socialists to enjoy?

Slightly concerned they can't even get the vision correct on the artist impression...... is that a small blue car I see in the middle of this so called 'pedestrian' area? In such financially challenging times, if such vast amounts of cash are indeed available to be spent so easily shouldn't we be investing into schemes caring for those most vulnerable in our community, or is this just another fabulous project for the North Oxford Champagne Socialists to enjoy?FizzyCustard

In favour of all most of it, but please don't be making it easier to get to Oxford airport.... What's the point in making Oxford greener if you make Oxfordshire and beyond more polluted at the same time?

And how about a direct transport link to the Kassam Stadium? In favour. Aye...

In favour of all most of it, but please don't be making it easier to get to Oxford airport.... What's the point in making Oxford greener if you make Oxfordshire and beyond more polluted at the same time?
And how about a direct transport link to the Kassam Stadium? In favour. Aye...BenkiuGuasu

What a load of rubbish. Where will the cars who want to go botley or Abingdon road go through jericho and grid lock Walton street . Another waste of tax payers money. How about reducing are council Tax instead of wasting are money.

What a load of rubbish. Where will the cars who want to go botley or Abingdon road go through jericho and grid lock Walton street . Another waste of tax payers money. How about reducing are council Tax instead of wasting are money.my,say

FizzyCustard wrote:
Slightly concerned they can't even get the vision correct on the artist impression...... is that a small blue car I see in the middle of this so called 'pedestrian' area? In such financially challenging times, if such vast amounts of cash are indeed available to be spent so easily shouldn't we be investing into schemes caring for those most vulnerable in our community, or is this just another fabulous project for the North Oxford Champagne Socialists to enjoy?

I doubt it...

North Oxford have ensured both its sweeping 'A' roads swooshing into St Giles for its parking remain free from speed humps, 'bus priority ahead' measures and 'shared space' schemes.
Its unlikely they'd approve of something that requires leaving the Merc at home so as to ride in on a tram.

I'm sure it would be fantastic for the rest of Oxford though.

[quote][p][bold]FizzyCustard[/bold] wrote:
Slightly concerned they can't even get the vision correct on the artist impression...... is that a small blue car I see in the middle of this so called 'pedestrian' area? In such financially challenging times, if such vast amounts of cash are indeed available to be spent so easily shouldn't we be investing into schemes caring for those most vulnerable in our community, or is this just another fabulous project for the North Oxford Champagne Socialists to enjoy?[/p][/quote]I doubt it...
North Oxford have ensured both its sweeping 'A' roads swooshing into St Giles for its parking remain free from speed humps, 'bus priority ahead' measures and 'shared space' schemes.
Its unlikely they'd approve of something that requires leaving the Merc at home so as to ride in on a tram.
I'm sure it would be fantastic for the rest of Oxford though.Citizen Sunday

oh Beaumont street is essential - no it isn't. it is NOW because there is no alternative if coming from that direction.

oh what about the disabled - what about them? they'll be catered for just fine, if not better. How's the zimmer/wheelchair working out for you at present on the cobbles, with the cars half on the pavements and the throngs of tourists? bet its a dream right?

oh how will they get deliveries to places? - what a stupid comment. the same way they already do. provisions will be made to make it easier. it's about preventing unecessary traffic by having something in place that says visitors, park here, it's easier this way. Connecting workers across the city, making life easier for residents.

THIS IS A BLUEPRINT, blue sky thinking, big data big ideas, conceptual, give it whatever whacky business terminology you like it is an idea. Ideas do NOT plan for the location of sewer pipes, think about wheelchairs, wonder if new look can get a lorry in at 6am. They provide a concept.

problem with you lot ^^^^^ it's all small minded thoughts.
oh Beaumont street is essential - no it isn't. it is NOW because there is no alternative if coming from that direction.
oh what about the disabled - what about them? they'll be catered for just fine, if not better. How's the zimmer/wheelchair working out for you at present on the cobbles, with the cars half on the pavements and the throngs of tourists? bet its a dream right?
oh how will they get deliveries to places? - what a stupid comment. the same way they already do. provisions will be made to make it easier. it's about preventing unecessary traffic by having something in place that says visitors, park here, it's easier this way. Connecting workers across the city, making life easier for residents.
THIS IS A BLUEPRINT, blue sky thinking, big data big ideas, conceptual, give it whatever whacky business terminology you like it is an idea. Ideas do NOT plan for the location of sewer pipes, think about wheelchairs, wonder if new look can get a lorry in at 6am. They provide a concept.robbo81

my,say wrote:
What a load of rubbish. Where will the cars who want to go botley or Abingdon road go through jericho and grid lock Walton street . Another waste of tax payers money. How about reducing are council Tax instead of wasting are money.

and the winner of absolutely worst comment on an article ever goes to....

If you respond with your genuine name and address I will post you a crisp ten pound note.

Firstly you miss the point. there won't be cars. because there will be trains, trams, buses and walkways taking us around our future city quickly and efficiently. For those still wishing to use a car - and don't forget that this will be in about 10 years at least. You WILL be in a BMW i3 or smaller, if you're lucky enough to still be controlling your vehicle as I suspect Google might be doing that for you. Or maybe you'll be ain a Jonny cab from Total Recall.

I digress. so you miss the point. but then you want a reduction in council tax. how is one related to the other? The council creates a concept and puts it forward for public consultation... at a very small cost. You then think they should never ever forward-think but instead just reduce council tax.

I have two pieces of advice. Never enter politics. Go to Littlemore mental health hospital, you are obviously deluded. They will take care of you and no doubt you won't have to pay council tax whilst in their care.

[quote][p][bold]my,say[/bold] wrote:
What a load of rubbish. Where will the cars who want to go botley or Abingdon road go through jericho and grid lock Walton street . Another waste of tax payers money. How about reducing are council Tax instead of wasting are money.[/p][/quote]and the winner of absolutely worst comment on an article ever goes to....
If you respond with your genuine name and address I will post you a crisp ten pound note.
Firstly you miss the point. there won't be cars. because there will be trains, trams, buses and walkways taking us around our future city quickly and efficiently. For those still wishing to use a car - and don't forget that this will be in about 10 years at least. You WILL be in a BMW i3 or smaller, if you're lucky enough to still be controlling your vehicle as I suspect Google might be doing that for you. Or maybe you'll be ain a Jonny cab from Total Recall.
I digress. so you miss the point. but then you want a reduction in council tax. how is one related to the other? The council creates a concept and puts it forward for public consultation... at a very small cost. You then think they should never ever forward-think but instead just reduce council tax.
I have two pieces of advice. Never enter politics. Go to Littlemore mental health hospital, you are obviously deluded. They will take care of you and no doubt you won't have to pay council tax whilst in their care.robbo81

willow59 wrote: People of Oxford, do not let your politicians ruin your historic City, they are only driven by the wheels of big business! Do you really think your Council leaders are clever or, qualified enough with enough foresight to develop a transport plan??? Ask who is behind it all and where will all the money come from, seeing all Councils are making cuts! How can they come up with cost figures when they have only produced a few pretty drawings or, has a lot of costings already been done behind your backs which could mean it is already a done deal before you have all been asked? Trams can work well in all sorts of places but they have to be justified fully first and be done for the right provable reasons not just a good idea or, to spend tax payers money before another Council can grab it! Get your Council to produce all the evidence from Edinburgh and the tram extensions in Nottingham and that will really tell you the truth of what will be in store for you all and it is not that pretty a picture in reality! Oxford, be aware, politics stink! S. Williams Nottingham.

Edinburgh isn't a good example. The best Scottish engineers were all working in London earning good money on world class projects such as T5, CrossRail, Olympic Park, Jubilee Line &amp; T2 whilst Edinburgh City Council kept changing their mind about what they really wanted and made a mess of it. Things are improving up there now. Can't wait to use the tram between Edinburgh Airport &amp; Edinburgh Park in May/June It'll knock 90 minutes off my journey when I visit Scotland. Then there is the comparison of the Borders Rail Link - improving the lives of thousands in the often neglected Border community.

Having lived for a long time in Oxford City and now part of the 'often neglected Border community' I can say no contest.

Left Oxford partly due to the transport nightmares which have in the 14 years I have been gone got much much worse. We are going to have a railway few want, or will be able to afford with road infrastructure fairly diabolical. The railway will have only TWO stops in the Borders with the rest planned in the Lothians which are already well served by public transport.

Edinburgh Trams have just about finished the City Centre shops off due to travel disruption general chaos and mess so Oxford retailers you have been warned!

[quote][p][bold]Andrew:Oxford[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]willow59[/bold] wrote: People of Oxford, do not let your politicians ruin your historic City, they are only driven by the wheels of big business! Do you really think your Council leaders are clever or, qualified enough with enough foresight to develop a transport plan??? Ask who is behind it all and where will all the money come from, seeing all Councils are making cuts! How can they come up with cost figures when they have only produced a few pretty drawings or, has a lot of costings already been done behind your backs which could mean it is already a done deal before you have all been asked? Trams can work well in all sorts of places but they have to be justified fully first and be done for the right provable reasons not just a good idea or, to spend tax payers money before another Council can grab it! Get your Council to produce all the evidence from Edinburgh and the tram extensions in Nottingham and that will really tell you the truth of what will be in store for you all and it is not that pretty a picture in reality! Oxford, be aware, politics stink! S. Williams Nottingham.[/p][/quote]Edinburgh isn't a good example. The best Scottish engineers were all working in London earning good money on world class projects such as T5, CrossRail, Olympic Park, Jubilee Line & T2 whilst Edinburgh City Council kept changing their mind about what they really wanted and made a mess of it. Things are improving up there now. Can't wait to use the tram between Edinburgh Airport & Edinburgh Park in May/June It'll knock 90 minutes off my journey when I visit Scotland. Then there is the comparison of the Borders Rail Link - improving the lives of thousands in the often neglected Border community.[/p][/quote]Having lived for a long time in Oxford City and now part of the 'often neglected Border community' I can say no contest.
Left Oxford partly due to the transport nightmares which have in the 14 years I have been gone got much much worse. We are going to have a railway few want, or will be able to afford with road infrastructure fairly diabolical. The railway will have only TWO stops in the Borders with the rest planned in the Lothians which are already well served by public transport.
Edinburgh Trams have just about finished the City Centre shops off due to travel disruption general chaos and mess so Oxford retailers you have been warned!BorderLass

Great ideas - love the idea of trams. But what about the disabled ?
I wonder how many frail elderly who had been able to come into central Oxford gave up and stayed at home when the first pedestrianization happened ? I foresee this number rising in future.
Nobody who is not frail/disabled realizes how daunting walking through Cornmarket is. If you have enough strength you will choose to go a longer way round. If you can't manage further you will go home. With St Giles and George Street pedestrianized this will make walks to buses longer - the trams will help but not to all places.

Why are you planning to close Queen Street to buses when the passing of about 60 per hour goes slowly and calmly. It seems a very good example of buses and people mixing. Cycles are more problematic.
When the bus stops are transfered I imagine it will be to St Aldates making an increase of buses creating more pollution ? I know we hope technology will bring this down but it is still a real problem.

And finally does Ian Hudspeth believe that the Centre of Oxford can carry anymore buses ? Some bus experts think it cannot not. The whole development of Oxford will need a really good assessment of the public transport needs for the future and an assessment as to whether the Centre of the City can accommodate the future need.

Great ideas - love the idea of trams. But what about the disabled ?
I wonder how many frail elderly who had been able to come into central Oxford gave up and stayed at home when the first pedestrianization happened ? I foresee this number rising in future.
Nobody who is not frail/disabled realizes how daunting walking through Cornmarket is. If you have enough strength you will choose to go a longer way round. If you can't manage further you will go home. With St Giles and George Street pedestrianized this will make walks to buses longer - the trams will help but not to all places.
Why are you planning to close Queen Street to buses when the passing of about 60 per hour goes slowly and calmly. It seems a very good example of buses and people mixing. Cycles are more problematic.
When the bus stops are transfered I imagine it will be to St Aldates making an increase of buses creating more pollution ? I know we hope technology will bring this down but it is still a real problem.
And finally does Ian Hudspeth believe that the Centre of Oxford can carry anymore buses ? Some bus experts think it cannot not. The whole development of Oxford will need a really good assessment of the public transport needs for the future and an assessment as to whether the Centre of the City can accommodate the future need.Sarah Lasenby

Robbo81,
There's no need to be so offensive as to suggest someone should go to a mental health hospital.

Besides, you fail to understand my,say's point about council tax. Sure, it may not cost much to produce plans for a traffic scheme but it will cost a lot of taxpayers' money to build it. And, like many of our councils' foolish traffic schemes, it has not been thought through clearly.

Robbo81,
There's no need to be so offensive as to suggest someone should go to a mental health hospital.
Besides, you fail to understand my,say's point about council tax. Sure, it may not cost much to produce plans for a traffic scheme but it will cost a lot of taxpayers' money to build it. And, like many of our councils' foolish traffic schemes, it has not been thought through clearly.Oxonian

willow59 wrote: People of Oxford, do not let your politicians ruin your historic City, they are only driven by the wheels of big business! Do you really think your Council leaders are clever or, qualified enough with enough foresight to develop a transport plan??? Ask who is behind it all and where will all the money come from, seeing all Councils are making cuts! How can they come up with cost figures when they have only produced a few pretty drawings or, has a lot of costings already been done behind your backs which could mean it is already a done deal before you have all been asked? Trams can work well in all sorts of places but they have to be justified fully first and be done for the right provable reasons not just a good idea or, to spend tax payers money before another Council can grab it! Get your Council to produce all the evidence from Edinburgh and the tram extensions in Nottingham and that will really tell you the truth of what will be in store for you all and it is not that pretty a picture in reality! Oxford, be aware, politics stink! S. Williams Nottingham.

Edinburgh isn't a good example. The best Scottish engineers were all working in London earning good money on world class projects such as T5, CrossRail, Olympic Park, Jubilee Line &amp; T2 whilst Edinburgh City Council kept changing their mind about what they really wanted and made a mess of it. Things are improving up there now. Can't wait to use the tram between Edinburgh Airport &amp; Edinburgh Park in May/June It'll knock 90 minutes off my journey when I visit Scotland. Then there is the comparison of the Borders Rail Link - improving the lives of thousands in the often neglected Border community.

Having lived for a long time in Oxford City and now part of the 'often neglected Border community' I can say no contest.

Left Oxford partly due to the transport nightmares which have in the 14 years I have been gone got much much worse. We are going to have a railway few want, or will be able to afford with road infrastructure fairly diabolical. The railway will have only TWO stops in the Borders with the rest planned in the Lothians which are already well served by public transport.

Edinburgh Trams have just about finished the City Centre shops off due to travel disruption general chaos and mess so Oxford retailers you have been warned!

They can't be "well served" by public transport if the buses are using roads that you describe as "diabolical".

If you left the city (partly) due to transport difficulties then you should be more than capable of understanding why it is essential for Oxford to have a permanent way forward for public transport infrastructure.

Edinburgh Council is fairly notorious for doing things badly. They managed the construction of the Alloa rail line through their TIE subsidiary - which now needs £Ms of repairs by Network Rail. Not to forget the massive fraud with their building repairs department.

England has the benefit skilled engineers, many of who are Scottish, who have the experience to deliver a major project on-time and on budget.

Enjoy living in the Borders, not long until you get to choose whether to leave the UK or not. Next time you visit Oxford you might need to show your passport to enter England...

[quote][p][bold]BorderLass[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Andrew:Oxford[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]willow59[/bold] wrote: People of Oxford, do not let your politicians ruin your historic City, they are only driven by the wheels of big business! Do you really think your Council leaders are clever or, qualified enough with enough foresight to develop a transport plan??? Ask who is behind it all and where will all the money come from, seeing all Councils are making cuts! How can they come up with cost figures when they have only produced a few pretty drawings or, has a lot of costings already been done behind your backs which could mean it is already a done deal before you have all been asked? Trams can work well in all sorts of places but they have to be justified fully first and be done for the right provable reasons not just a good idea or, to spend tax payers money before another Council can grab it! Get your Council to produce all the evidence from Edinburgh and the tram extensions in Nottingham and that will really tell you the truth of what will be in store for you all and it is not that pretty a picture in reality! Oxford, be aware, politics stink! S. Williams Nottingham.[/p][/quote]Edinburgh isn't a good example. The best Scottish engineers were all working in London earning good money on world class projects such as T5, CrossRail, Olympic Park, Jubilee Line & T2 whilst Edinburgh City Council kept changing their mind about what they really wanted and made a mess of it. Things are improving up there now. Can't wait to use the tram between Edinburgh Airport & Edinburgh Park in May/June It'll knock 90 minutes off my journey when I visit Scotland. Then there is the comparison of the Borders Rail Link - improving the lives of thousands in the often neglected Border community.[/p][/quote]Having lived for a long time in Oxford City and now part of the 'often neglected Border community' I can say no contest.
Left Oxford partly due to the transport nightmares which have in the 14 years I have been gone got much much worse. We are going to have a railway few want, or will be able to afford with road infrastructure fairly diabolical. The railway will have only TWO stops in the Borders with the rest planned in the Lothians which are already well served by public transport.
Edinburgh Trams have just about finished the City Centre shops off due to travel disruption general chaos and mess so Oxford retailers you have been warned![/p][/quote]They can't be "well served" by public transport if the buses are using roads that you describe as "diabolical".
If you left the city (partly) due to transport difficulties then you should be more than capable of understanding why it is essential for Oxford to have a permanent way forward for public transport infrastructure.
Edinburgh Council is fairly notorious for doing things badly. They managed the construction of the Alloa rail line through their TIE subsidiary - which now needs £Ms of repairs by Network Rail. Not to forget the massive fraud with their building repairs department.
England has the benefit skilled engineers, many of who are Scottish, who have the experience to deliver a major project on-time and on budget.
Enjoy living in the Borders, not long until you get to choose whether to leave the UK or not. Next time you visit Oxford you might need to show your passport to enter England...Andrew:Oxford

I wonder why people look to Edinburgh as an example. Mulhouse, Bordeaux, Rheims, Freiburg, Karlsruh, Brescia, Dijon are far better examples of how to get on, and will soon be followed by many more.

I have long thought Oxford would need a tunnel for a tram or light metro, but it could be done without if planned right .Integration with heavy rail and buses, sensitive use of open spaces, and the inclusion of the wider travel to work areas, such as Witney and Carterton, all must be included.

A network directly serving the majority of the residential and working population, with good interchange with other modes should be the aim.

I wonder why people look to Edinburgh as an example. Mulhouse, Bordeaux, Rheims, Freiburg, Karlsruh, Brescia, Dijon are far better examples of how to get on, and will soon be followed by many more.
I have long thought Oxford would need a tunnel for a tram or light metro, but it could be done without if planned right .Integration with heavy rail and buses, sensitive use of open spaces, and the inclusion of the wider travel to work areas, such as Witney and Carterton, all must be included.
A network directly serving the majority of the residential and working population, with good interchange with other modes should be the aim.Patrick, Devon

i would like to know what he has been smoking , complete fantasy .... and how much PUBLIC money is going to be thrown at the architects and others in the pursuit of nothing ...... STOP WASTING OUR MONEY ON THINGS WHICH WILL NOT HAPPEN !!! with his £100,000+ salary .......

i would like to know what he has been smoking , complete fantasy .... and how much PUBLIC money is going to be thrown at the architects and others in the pursuit of nothing ...... STOP WASTING OUR MONEY ON THINGS WHICH WILL NOT HAPPEN !!! with his £100,000+ salary .......Redbulls

Is it not time the university was brought to heel. The residents of Oxford and Oxfordshire should have a greater say and out weigh these people who regard themselves as our rulers. Jumped up pompous so'n'so's who have little grasp on the life quality of the residents that matter. If they want to cry, let them. Its more our City than theirs, let them roast in their own bile, we have put up with more than enough for far too long. We are just as entitled to raise the standards of the surrounding in which we live as anyone else. Less pollution, a more wholesome clean environment and a higher standard more benefiting is surely as much to their benefit as ours. All of this making Oxford far more attractive than it is now to the visitor. Realistically by the time its finished it would be the norm compared with elsewhere anyway.

[quote][p][bold]H.J.Harris[/bold] wrote:
Will the University allow it ?[/p][/quote]Is it not time the university was brought to heel. The residents of Oxford and Oxfordshire should have a greater say and out weigh these people who regard themselves as our rulers. Jumped up pompous so'n'so's who have little grasp on the life quality of the residents that matter. If they want to cry, let them. Its more our City than theirs, let them roast in their own bile, we have put up with more than enough for far too long. We are just as entitled to raise the standards of the surrounding in which we live as anyone else. Less pollution, a more wholesome clean environment and a higher standard more benefiting is surely as much to their benefit as ours. All of this making Oxford far more attractive than it is now to the visitor. Realistically by the time its finished it would be the norm compared with elsewhere anyway.the wizard

Oxonian wrote:
Robbo81,
There's no need to be so offensive as to suggest someone should go to a mental health hospital.

Besides, you fail to understand my,say's point about council tax. Sure, it may not cost much to produce plans for a traffic scheme but it will cost a lot of taxpayers' money to build it. And, like many of our councils' foolish traffic schemes, it has not been thought through clearly.

no i don't. the point is stupid.

council tax - paid by individuals for services to aide the running of a city. not used to build improvements on the whole

if this scheme got the go-ahead funds would be raised from gov grants, private funds, business groups, i'd imagine retailers/investors,
/travel companies whom it would benefit in the area. The council would put some money in from a central gov fund they are given each year.

council tax pays for police, fire, refuse, streets. maybe you need to go with My,Say.

[quote][p][bold]Oxonian[/bold] wrote:
Robbo81,
There's no need to be so offensive as to suggest someone should go to a mental health hospital.
Besides, you fail to understand my,say's point about council tax. Sure, it may not cost much to produce plans for a traffic scheme but it will cost a lot of taxpayers' money to build it. And, like many of our councils' foolish traffic schemes, it has not been thought through clearly.[/p][/quote]no i don't. the point is stupid.
council tax - paid by individuals for services to aide the running of a city. not used to build improvements on the whole
if this scheme got the go-ahead funds would be raised from gov grants, private funds, business groups, i'd imagine retailers/investors,
/travel companies whom it would benefit in the area. The council would put some money in from a central gov fund they are given each year.
council tax pays for police, fire, refuse, streets. maybe you need to go with My,Say.robbo81

livid99 wrote:
Pedestrianisation would be good, but would be blighted by all the cyclists who would undoubtedly ignore the No Cycling signs.

Never a truer word said livid, just look at Cornmarket and Queen Street

[quote][p][bold]livid99[/bold] wrote:
Pedestrianisation would be good, but would be blighted by all the cyclists who would undoubtedly ignore the No Cycling signs.[/p][/quote]Never a truer word said livid, just look at Cornmarket and Queen StreetThe New Private Eye

[quote][p][bold]livid99[/bold] wrote:
Pedestrianisation would be good, but would be blighted by all the cyclists who would undoubtedly ignore the No Cycling signs.[/p][/quote]Clever - love the way you've manoeuvred your 'hobby horse' into yet another thread!locodogz

my,say wrote:
What a load of rubbish. Where will the cars who want to go botley or Abingdon road go through jericho and grid lock Walton street . Another waste of tax payers money. How about reducing are council Tax instead of wasting are money.

and the winner of absolutely worst comment on an article ever goes to....

If you respond with your genuine name and address I will post you a crisp ten pound note.

Firstly you miss the point. there won't be cars. because there will be trains, trams, buses and walkways taking us around our future city quickly and efficiently. For those still wishing to use a car - and don't forget that this will be in about 10 years at least. You WILL be in a BMW i3 or smaller, if you're lucky enough to still be controlling your vehicle as I suspect Google might be doing that for you. Or maybe you'll be ain a Jonny cab from Total Recall.

I digress. so you miss the point. but then you want a reduction in council tax. how is one related to the other? The council creates a concept and puts it forward for public consultation... at a very small cost. You then think they should never ever forward-think but instead just reduce council tax.

I have two pieces of advice. Never enter politics. Go to Littlemore mental health hospital, you are obviously deluded. They will take care of you and no doubt you won't have to pay council tax whilst in their care.

Is there still a mental health hospital at Littlemore? I thought they'd swapped that for a cycle lane. :-)

[quote][p][bold]robbo81[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]my,say[/bold] wrote:
What a load of rubbish. Where will the cars who want to go botley or Abingdon road go through jericho and grid lock Walton street . Another waste of tax payers money. How about reducing are council Tax instead of wasting are money.[/p][/quote]and the winner of absolutely worst comment on an article ever goes to....
If you respond with your genuine name and address I will post you a crisp ten pound note.
Firstly you miss the point. there won't be cars. because there will be trains, trams, buses and walkways taking us around our future city quickly and efficiently. For those still wishing to use a car - and don't forget that this will be in about 10 years at least. You WILL be in a BMW i3 or smaller, if you're lucky enough to still be controlling your vehicle as I suspect Google might be doing that for you. Or maybe you'll be ain a Jonny cab from Total Recall.
I digress. so you miss the point. but then you want a reduction in council tax. how is one related to the other? The council creates a concept and puts it forward for public consultation... at a very small cost. You then think they should never ever forward-think but instead just reduce council tax.
I have two pieces of advice. Never enter politics. Go to Littlemore mental health hospital, you are obviously deluded. They will take care of you and no doubt you won't have to pay council tax whilst in their care.[/p][/quote]Is there still a mental health hospital at Littlemore? I thought they'd swapped that for a cycle lane. :-)Eraser

All I want to add to this debate.All these letters seem to remind me of being at county hall, Please remember that a place called Banbury is part of Oxfordshire . I've been trying to get west bar resurfaced for nearly a year as it's in a terrible state a joke if you like. We have a 160 million back log of road maintenance in Oxfordshire alone. All this grandiose talk of trams new stations park and rides are great if you live in Oxford or Bicester . But surely our roads need to be brought up to standard . And I'm a county councillor for Banbury that going to make dame sure Banbury gets a look in at Oxfordshire county council.

All I want to add to this debate.All these letters seem to remind me of being at county hall, Please remember that a place called Banbury is part of Oxfordshire . I've been trying to get west bar resurfaced for nearly a year as it's in a terrible state a joke if you like. We have a 160 million back log of road maintenance in Oxfordshire alone. All this grandiose talk of trams new stations park and rides are great if you live in Oxford or Bicester . But surely our roads need to be brought up to standard . And I'm a county councillor for Banbury that going to make dame sure Banbury gets a look in at Oxfordshire county council.Councillor mark cherry

Councillor mark cherry wrote:
All I want to add to this debate.All these letters seem to remind me of being at county hall, Please remember that a place called Banbury is part of Oxfordshire . I've been trying to get west bar resurfaced for nearly a year as it's in a terrible state a joke if you like. We have a 160 million back log of road maintenance in Oxfordshire alone. All this grandiose talk of trams new stations park and rides are great if you live in Oxford or Bicester . But surely our roads need to be brought up to standard . And I'm a county councillor for Banbury that going to make dame sure Banbury gets a look in at Oxfordshire county council.

Perhaps you should consider calling for a Unitary Authority for Banbury and S Northants? I agree that the interests of Banbury and central Oxon are diferent, but Oxford, Witney, Bicester and Science Vale need a modern transport system fit for purpose and able to accomodate expansion.

[quote][p][bold]Councillor mark cherry[/bold] wrote:
All I want to add to this debate.All these letters seem to remind me of being at county hall, Please remember that a place called Banbury is part of Oxfordshire . I've been trying to get west bar resurfaced for nearly a year as it's in a terrible state a joke if you like. We have a 160 million back log of road maintenance in Oxfordshire alone. All this grandiose talk of trams new stations park and rides are great if you live in Oxford or Bicester . But surely our roads need to be brought up to standard . And I'm a county councillor for Banbury that going to make dame sure Banbury gets a look in at Oxfordshire county council.[/p][/quote]Perhaps you should consider calling for a Unitary Authority for Banbury and S Northants? I agree that the interests of Banbury and central Oxon are diferent, but Oxford, Witney, Bicester and Science Vale need a modern transport system fit for purpose and able to accomodate expansion.Patrick, Devon